Sigiriya Cycling Tour
Quick Facts
- Availability : All year around
- Transfer arrangements to be picked up and dropped off at any preferred destination could be arranged on prior notification, at additional cost.
- Starting time : Morning 7.30 a.m. or evening 2:30 p.m.
- Starting Point : Main entrance gate of the Sigiriya Rock Fortress
- Duration : 4 hours (without the climb to Sigiriya)
- Cycling distance : 20km in total – all flat terrain
- Grading : Soft
- Kindly note : This tour is not recommended for children under 12 years. It is possible to extend the activity with accommodation in Sigiriya as well.
Sigiriya is land steeped in history dating back to the 5th century BC. The Sigiriya Rock, became the fortified kingdom of King Kasyapa who usurped the throne from his father and sought distance from his avenging brother. The Sigiriya Rock Fortress - the brainchild of King Kasyapa - built with surrounding gardens, baths and paces of worship, became and is still recognised as an architectural and engineering feat, complete with an aesthetic and planned layout.
Pidurangala Rock is a few kilometres north of the Fortress and its history is intertwined with latter. It became the site for a Buddhist monastery dating back to the first century BC and was patronised by King Kasyapa during his reign. The Pidurangala Rock bears a steeper slope on its summit and poses a great challenge to climb.
Why should you book this trip?
- Eco Team’s cycling tour of Sigiriya takes you on a journey into the areas surrounding the Sigiriya Rock Fortress.
- Other things to do in Sigiriya would include:
- interacting with the local residents and learning about their routine and lifestyle.
- Visiting the Stupa believed to mark the spot where King Kashyapa (473 – 495 AD), the king who built the Sigiriya Rock Fortress, was cremated.
- Seeing the Pidurangala Rock which was used as a Buddhist monastery during the reign of King Kashyapa.
- If you have not climbed the Sigiriya Rock, it is possible to couple this cycling tour with the Sigiriya climb.
- You will be accompanied by a knowledgeable and seasoned cycling guide for the duration of the tour.
Included in the price
- High quality and well-maintained mountain bikes with helmets
- The services of an experienced cycling guide
- Drinking water during the cycling tour
- Packed snacks and refreshments
- Entrance permit for the Pidurangala Viharaya (Pidurangala Rock Temple)
- Emergency back up at any time
- All Government taxes
Excluded
- Transportation to starting point and from the end point of the cycling tour of Sigiriya
- Any extra beverages, food and snacks consumed
- Entrance fees to Sigiriya Rock Fortress
- Optional activity costs
- Any personal effects not mentioned in this description
- Any tips for the attending staff
- Any others expenses not mentioned in the INCLUDED IN THIS PACKAGE section
Tour in brief
- Once your booking is confirmed, you will be informed of the meeting point, where your designated cycling guide will meet you.
- The cycling tour of Sigiriya takes you on a trail into the areas surrounding the Sigiriya Rock Fortress.
- Beginning at the entrance to the Sigiriya Rock Fortress, you ride through "Thalkote", a remote isolated village to the Thalkotawewa (reservoir).
- At the village, you will see how traditional farming (paddy and other crops) and chena cultivation (slash and burn farming) is done and used in the area.
- Thalkotawewa and the surrounding thickets can be great for for bird watching in the morning and evening.
- If you choose to take the tour in the morning, there is a chance you may witness signs of the presence of wild elephants in the area, from the previous night.
- Interact with villagers in the area and enjoy their hospitality.
- Enjoy moments of history as you make brief stops at some archaeological sites.
- Two important archeological sites we cover in this trail are the Stupa, believed to mark the spot where King Kashyapa was cremated and the Pidurangala Viharaya which dates back beyond the first century BC.
- A climb up to the Sigiriya Rock Fortresscan be arranged, as an add-on to this cycling trip in Sri Lanka.
- Stop at various points to refresh.
Important
- Clients should bring suitable clothing for warm, windy and rainy conditions.
- Lightweight clothes and suitable footwear should be worn for the cycling tour in Sigiriya.
- Insect repellent and sun lotion are recommended items to carry.
- Drinking water should be carried at all times.
